Vehicle Aerodynamic Element Positioning for Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle aerodynamics systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust aerodynamic forces in real-time to optimize performance across varying driving conditions, such as speed and cornering, which can lead to instability and reduced traction.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle aerodynamic system comprising a body, an aerodynamic element, a movement mechanism, and a controller that determines the desired position of the aerodynamic element relative to the body based on sensor inputs, allowing for real-time adjustment along the longitudinal and lateral axes to optimize aerodynamic forces and improve handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If aerodynamic elements are fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but aerodynamic performance cannot be optimized across varying driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performance optimizationVSAvoidaerodynamic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the aerodynamic element movable relative to the vehicle body through a movement mechanism. This allows the aerodynamic element to dynamically adjust its position along the longitudinal and/or lateral axes based on driving conditions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can optimize aerodynamic performance across varying speeds and cornering scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The aerodynamic element is designed to perform multiple functions by moving to different positions. It can provide drag reduction at high speeds, generate downforce during cornering, and maintain aerodynamic center alignment with the center of gravity under various operating conditions, making the system universally applicable across diverse driving scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If aerodynamic elements are made movable to adjust position, then aerodynamic force optimization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidmovement mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback control where sensors detect vehicle operating conditions (speed, cornering, etc.) and provide signals to the controller. The controller processes this information and adjusts the movement mechanism to position the aerodynamic element optimally, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains vehicle stability through real-time aerodynamic adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a movement mechanism that can be actuated by modern automotive actuators (electronic, hydraulic, or pneumatic). This substitution allows for more precise and reliable positioning while reducing mechanical complexity through the use of contemporary actuation technologies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If aerodynamic element position is fixed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but real-time aerodynamic adjustment capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time performance optimizationVSAvoidaerodynamic system manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The aerodynamic system is segmented into separate components: the aerodynamic element, the movement mechanism, and the control system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete system, facilitating real-time adjustment capability while managing manufacturing complexity through modular construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables dynamic adjustment of aerodynamic forces to maintain aerodynamic center alignment with the center of gravity, reducing drag, improving traction, and enhancing vehicle stability and handling across different driving conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The aerodynamic element is arranged to intersect the ambient airflow such that the ambient airflow circulates about the aerodynamic element and generates an aerodynamic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force generation: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS9849924B2Vehicle including an aerodynamic system configured to selectively vary an aerodynamic force acting on the vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.12.26 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A vehicle includes a body, an aerodynamic element, a movement mechanism, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. The body is located along a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The aerodynamic element intersects ambient airflow, which generates an aerodynamic force. The movement mechanism moves the aerodynamic element, relative to the body, along the longitudinal and lateral axes. The sensors collectively generate input signals corresponding to an operating condition of the vehicle. The controller determines a current position of the movement mechanism, corresponding to a current location of the aerodynamic element on the axes and determines a desired position of the movement mechanism, corresponding to a desired location of the aerodynamic element on the axes. The controller transmits a movement signal to the movement mechanism to change position from the current position to the desired position, such that the aerodynamic element moves from the current location to the desired location.